Archive for the ‘UPDATE’ Category

After a long wait, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of President Obama’s Affordable Care Act. The votes were close at 5-4, according to ABC News article “Supreme Court Health Care Ruling: The Mandate Can Stay.” Matt Negrin and Ariane De Vogue explained that while the Supreme Court deemed the individual mandate unconstitutional under the commerce clause, they ruled that it is allowed under the taxing clause. Essentially, the government can “tax” you for not carrying health insurance. President Obama is happy with the victory because he believes that this reform is in the best interest of Americans. The political battle will rage on though, especially with this being an election year.

Most Americans must compare health insurance quotes and purchase a policy, or else they will be fined. These fines could total thousands of dollars each year. The most popular facets of the health care law will also remain in effect, including the fact that those under 26 may stay on their parents’ health insurance plans, Medicare members get free mammograms, and health insurance companies cannot deny you coverage because of pre-existing conditions or a mistake on your application. A Supreme Court expert said that while this is a win for the President, it was actually the administration’s third choice of an argument, not the first. They first argued that the individual mandate fell under the Commerce Clause, then the Necessary and Proper Clause, and finally the Tax Clause.

Regardless, the debate will rage on through this election year. Republicans show survey results that only 36% of Americans agree with the Affordable Care Act. But when asked about specific items in the Act, surveys have also shown much support of the age 26 provision and the pre-existing condition provision. Of course there is going to be opposition because everyone does not believe in the same path for America, but I hope that decisions are informed when it comes to the Affordable Care Act. I think some polling results show that many Americans are against the Act in a blanket way without knowing the details. Since only 39% of Americans think the health care system is in a good place right now, it’s clear that something needs to be done. Whether or not the Affordable Care Act is the right solution remains to be seen.